Arsenal drop early Jorginho team news hint for Sheffield United as Arteta makes midfield call

Mikel Arteta is facing a number of important team selection decisions for Monday's Premier League clash against Sheffield United. Nine days ago, the Gunners picked up a 4-1 over Newcastle United with Arteta making a number of tactical tweaks to ensure his side dominated the game at Emirates Stadium.

The absence of Gabriel Jesus to injury in recent weeks has resulted in several changes to the starting XI being made by Arteta. Both Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard have been deployed in a false nine role, however when the latter was utilised in the position, Havertz would often move back into midfield.

Alternatively, as Arteta did against Newcastle and Liverpool, Jorginho would come into the midfield with that tactical change generating great success. The Italy international's recent performances in those games has seen Arsenal make the decision to open contract extension talks with the midfielder, as football.london understands.

Needing Jorginho in midfield to help dominate the game is unlikely, given the Blades are expected to set up a deep block in an attempt to keep Arsenal out. Despite Arsenal's opponents sitting bottom of the Premier League table, Arteta is expecting a challenge having carefully assessed Chris Wilder's side.

«With every team we look at the weaknesses and the strengths and we look to take the game where we want,» he admitted in his press conference last Friday. «I’m saying this because I know that team very well. I analysed it many years ago and I learnt from Chris’ teams and I’m telling you it’s going to be a really tough match.»

In their last five home games in all competitions, Sheffield United have conceded 20 goals which certainly suggests, given Arsenal's recent free-scoring form, there will be plenty